How do you restore permanently deleted files？

Restoring permanently deleted files can seem like an impossible task, especially when the files are no longer present in your Recycle Bin or trash. However, there are still methods and strategies available that can help you recover data lost due to accidental deletion, disk formatting, or other system errors.

Before diving into the methods of recovery, it’s essential to understand what happens when you delete a file. There are two types of file deletion:

Soft Deletion (or Temporary Deletion): When you delete a file in Windows, macOS, or other operating systems, it doesn’t immediately get removed from the storage medium. Instead, it is moved to the system’s Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (macOS). In this state, the file can easily be restored since it’s only marked as deleted and the space is reserved for future data.

Permanent Deletion (Hard Deletion): When you permanently delete a file—either by emptying the Recycle Bin or Trash or by using a keyboard shortcut like Shift + Delete on Windows—the file is not immediately erased from the drive. Instead, the system marks the space occupied by the file as free and available for use. While the file’s data may not be easily accessible, it still resides on the drive until it is overwritten by new data. This is why recovery can still be possible.

Methods for Restoring Permanently Deleted Files

1. Check Backup Systems

Before starting any recovery process, check if you have backups of the deleted files. Many modern operating systems and cloud services provide automatic backup options. For example:

Windows File History allows you to recover files from backups if you had set up file versioning before deletion.

macOS Time Machine offers a similar function for users with backups.

Cloud storage platforms such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive automatically sync files and may offer a “trash” or “deleted items” section where you can restore deleted files.

2. Use File Recovery Software

Panda Assistant is a versatile and user-friendly data recovery software designed to help individuals and businesses recover lost or deleted files from a wide variety of storage devices, including computers, external hard drives, USB flash drives, and memory cards. Whether files have been accidentally deleted, lost due to a system crash, or become corrupted, Panda Assistant offers a reliable solution for retrieving important data without professional assistance.

Key Features of Panda Assistant

Comprehensive File Recovery

Panda Assistant supports the recovery of numerous file types, including documents, photos, videos, audio files, and more. It is equipped to handle recovery from hard drives, SSDs, external drives, memory cards, and other digital storage devices. The software is designed to recover files in multiple formats, ensuring a high success rate in various scenarios.

Easy to Use Interface

One of the standout features of Panda Assistant is its intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, the software simplifies the recovery process. With clear instructions and a straightforward design, users can quickly get started and begin scanning for deleted files.

Deep Scan and Quick Scan

Panda Assistant offers two scanning options: the Quick Scan and the Deep Scan. Quick Scan is designed for recovering recently deleted files and is faster in operation. Deep Scan, on the other hand, is more thorough and is ideal for situations where files have been lost for a longer period or when the storage device has been formatted. The deep scan searches for trace data that might still be present on the device, providing a higher chance of recovery.

Preview Before Recovery

After scanning a device, Panda Assistant allows users to preview recoverable files before deciding to restore them. This feature is particularly useful for ensuring that the desired files are intact and accessible before initiating the full recovery process.

Supports a Variety of Storage Devices

Panda Assistant works across a broad spectrum of storage mediums, including hard drives, SSDs, USB flash drives, external hard drives, SD cards, and more. Whether you’re recovering data from a personal computer, a smartphone, or a camera, Panda Assistant can scan and recover files from almost any device.

File Integrity

Panda Assistant ensures that recovered files retain their original quality and integrity. This is especially important for media files like images and videos, where corruption can lead to unusable results. The software’s algorithms are optimized to recover files without compromising their content.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Panda Assistant is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems, making it an accessible tool for a wide range of users. The software is designed to adapt to both platforms, ensuring seamless recovery processes regardless of the system you are using.

Safe and Secure

Data security is a key consideration in any file recovery process. Panda Assistant is designed with built-in safety features to prevent overwriting existing data during the recovery process. This ensures that files are not lost or corrupted during the restoration attempt. Additionally, the software respects your privacy by not storing any of your data during the recovery process.

3. Recover Deleted Files Using System Restore (Windows)

If you are unable to recover the files with third-party software, you can try using Windows System Restore to revert your computer to an earlier state when the files still existed.

How to use System Restore:

Type “System Restore” into the search bar and select “Create a restore point.”

In the “System Properties” window, click the “System Restore” button.

Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point before the files were deleted.

After restoring your system, check if the deleted files have been restored.

4. Use Command Prompt (Windows)

In some cases, you might be able to recover deleted files using the Command Prompt. Windows has a built-in utility called chkdsk that can help recover lost data.

How to use chkdsk:

Open the Command Prompt as Administrator.

Type the following command: chkdsk C: /f (replace C: with the drive letter of your device).

Press Enter and let the system run the check.

After the check is complete, you can search for recovered files in the affected directory.

5. Professional Data Recovery Services

If none of the above methods work or if the data is critical, your best option may be to contact a professional data recovery service. These services have advanced tools and expertise to recover data from damaged, corrupted, or formatted storage devices. However, professional recovery services can be costly, so it’s usually considered a last resort.

Some well-known data recovery services include:

DriveSavers Data Recovery

Ontrack Data Recovery

Secure Data Recovery

6. Prevent Future Data Loss

Once you’ve successfully restored your files or attempted recovery, it’s a good idea to implement strategies that minimize the risk of future data loss. Here are some best practices:

Regular Backups: Use built-in backup tools like Windows File History, Time Machine on macOS, or third-party solutions like Acronis or Backblaze.

Cloud Storage: Store important files in cloud services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, which automatically sync and offer version history.

External Drives: Consider keeping copies of important files on external hard drives or USB flash drives.